Civita di Bagnoregio is an ancient, medieval town with a terrible fate – it’s slowly dropping off the edge of a cliff as the rock erodes. Once a thriving village, there is now no way for the Italian authorities to protect it from its sad decline. Today, less than 100 people live in the town but you can visit for just 5 euros, and it makes for an excellent alternative thing to do in Italy.
Civita di Bagnoregio is in Viterbo, Lazio, not far from Lake Bolsena, and is nicknamed “Paese che muore”, the dying city. It was built around 2,500 years ago by the Etruscan people on top of a plateau of soft clay, with just one way in and out through a beautiful, huge stone arch. As a result of natural disasters and decay over the years, the sides of the mesa eroded, taking parts of the town’s historical architecture with it.
Over the years, the townspeople gradually moved down to live in the settlement of Bagnoregio on the plain, leaving the town of Civita on the hill virtually a ghost town. These days, the permanent population of Civita is around 7 people in winter, which swells to around 100 in summer. The donkey path that once led up to the village has also been worn away, and the only way to get there now is via a modern footbridge that has been installed there.
Visitors to Civita di Bagnoregio can find a couple of small restaurants and a café there, but the most astounding thing is the historic buildings and churches that remain standing in their original state, preserved thanks to their relative isolation from the world’s globalisation and the bombs that fell during World War II. Thanks to its spectacular beauty, Civita di Bagnoregio is a popular place for people to celebrate their wedding against a backdrop of typical Italian houses and gardens.
The nearest parking spaces and hotels to Civita are in the larger town of Bagnoregio, which is the best place to stay when you’re in the area. The weather there is mild, with around 60 days of rainfall a year and average temperatures in summer rarely reaching above 30⁰C. You’d be well advised to take a jacket with you as it may be windy up on the plateau. Maps of the town are available from the tourist information office, which is open from 8 am to 8 pm and where you can also buy the tickets to get in. The entrance fee to visit Civita di Bagnoregio is 5 euros and the money goes towards helping to preserve this incredible town. Be sure to visit it today before the whole place is gone!
Civita di Bagnoregio: how to get there
Civita di Bagnoregio is about 75 miles north of Rome and takes about 1 hour 45 minutes to drive there on the E35/E45 roads. If you’re going from Florence, it's about 75 miles south and you should also take the E35 but southbound, which will take you around 2 and a half hours.
- Where: 01022 Viterbo, Italy
- Price: 5 euros (free entrance for children under 6 and disabled people)
- Website: www.promotuscia.it/civita-di-bagnoregio
Find property on idealista
Cherry blossoms in Italy 2025: the best places to visit
Cherry blossoms, known as "fiori di ciliegio" in Italian, are admired for their beauty and symbolism in Italy. While Italy may not be as famous for its cherry blossoms as countries like Japan, there are still several regions where these delicate flowers bloom, offering stunning displays during the springtime.
The 3 best natural spas in Valle d'Aosta, Italy
Valle d'Aosta in Italy is one of the most captivating destinations for those seeking a rejuvenating spa experience. Surrounded by natural beauty and thermal springs, the region encircled by the Alps offers more than one option for those looking to relax and recharge. Discover some of the best and most famous spas in Valle d'Aosta, where you can soak in a hot bath while touching the snow with your hands.
Ideas for renovating your home in Italy: tips and inspirations for every need
Buying a home in Italy and renovating it to suit your family's needs is a decision that should never be taken lightly. It’s all too easy to go from feeling overwhelmed to achieving complete satisfaction. This is because navigating the right approach to managing the renovation process without losing your sanity can be challenging. In this guide, we’ll offer simple ideas for renovating your home, breaking down each step you can take to turn your house into the home of your dreams.
Venice Carnival 2025: all the traditions and the full programme
The Venice Carnival is one of the most iconic and renowned events in the world. With its traditional masks, lavish costumes, and a unique atmosphere that captivates the entire city, it is one of the most beautiful carnival celebrations in the world. If you want to take part this year, here’s everything you need to know about the Venice Carnival 2025 and how to plan your visit.
Carnival in Italy 2025: the best and most famous places to celebrate
Carnival in Italy is a vibrant and lively celebration held in the weeks leading up to Lent, the 40-day period of fasting and reflection before Easter. As its dates are determined by the lunar calendar, Carnival varies each year but typically falls in February or March. When is Carnival in Italy in 2025? This year Carnival is Italy will take place during the last 2 weeks of February and in some cases in March as well.
Valentine's Day in Italy, Spain and Portugal: history and traditions
The countdown is on for Valentine's day 2025, celebrated all over the world on 14th February, and we're getting in the mood for the most romantic day of the year.
The Italian cities with the worst air quality according to Legambiente
The year 2030 is fast approaching, marking a significant shift in environmental sustainability within EU member states. Yet, according to Legambiente, there is still much to be done in Italy. The Mal'Aria 2025 report lists the worst Italian cities for air quality, identifying 25 cities that exceeded the legal limits for PM10 over the past 12 months. Here’s the list.